Orgonon facts for kids
Orgonon was the home, laboratory, and research center of Wilhelm Reich (1897–1957). He was a doctor who studied the mind and human behavior, born in Austria. This special place covers about 175 acres (71 hectares) of land.
Orgonon is located in Rangeley, Maine, in the United States. It is also where Wilhelm Reich was buried. Today, it is open to the public as the Wilhelm Reich Museum. The main building was designed by James B. Bell and finished in 1948. It is known for its modern design, called "International Style" architecture. This building is so important that it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Orgone Research Laboratory. The name "Orgonon" comes from "orgone," which was a type of energy Reich believed existed and studied a lot in his later years.
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Exploring Orgonon: The Museum Grounds
The Orgonon property is a large area of about 175 acres (71 hectares). It is located west of Rangeley town and north of Rangeley Lake. The property has two main buildings and two cabins.
The Orgone Energy Observatory: Reich's Main Building
The most important building at Orgonon is the Orgone Energy Observatory. This is where Wilhelm Reich did his scientific work and had his office and library. It is a two-story building made of natural stones found in fields, with a flat roof.
This building was designed in a modern style called "International Style" by architect James B. Bell from New York City. It was finished in 1948. When you enter, you find a hallway. To the right was Reich's laboratory. To the left were rooms like a kitchen, bathrooms, and a playroom for Reich's son. Stairs at the back of the hall lead to the upper floor. This floor had a bathroom, an office, and living areas. The inside walls are made of knotty pine wood, with plywood ceilings and vinyl floors.
The Conference Center: A Place for Learning
The conference center is a building shaped like the letter "L" and is made of wood. It was built in 1945. Wilhelm Reich called it the "Students' Laboratory." Today, the museum uses this building for its offices and as a space for meetings and educational programs.
Tamarack Cabin: A Quiet Retreat
The Orgonon property also includes a cabin called "Tamarack." This cabin has three bedrooms and a full kitchen. It is in a quiet, private area, a bit away from the main buildings. The Reich family used Tamarack as their home. Wilhelm Reich wanted this cabin to be available for children who needed a place to stay. Because of this, the trust that manages the property lets needy families use this cabin for four weeks every summer, free of charge.
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